Italy is set to reintegrate nuclear power into its energy portfolio this summer, according to Premier Giorgia Meloni. Addressing parliament on Wednesday, Meloni revealed that the government is poised to approve a framework that will facilitate the return to nuclear energy, decades after the nation abandoned it following a public referendum spurred by the Chernobyl disaster. The initiative aims to employ the latest-generation small reactors developed by the private sector, a move intended to enhance energy autonomy and reduce costs, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Iran.
During her address at Premier Time in the Senate, Meloni extended an invitation to the opposition for collaboration on key national issues such as employment, healthcare, the birth rate, and electoral reform. Despite her outreach, the opposition has already dismissed the prospect of cooperation. “Wages, business incentives, and birth rates are always our priorities,” Meloni emphasized, while also noting a decrease in precarious workers and an increase in stable employment under her administration. She highlighted the need for competitive opportunities to retain young talent in Italy and stressed the importance of raising wages through enhanced collective bargaining.
Meloni also provided an update on the utilization of European Union funds for Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), reporting that by the end of March, 76% of the allocated resources had been expended. She praised her government’s efficiency in managing these funds, asserting that significant progress had been made in their deployment.
In a separate exchange, Meloni found herself at odds with Matteo Renzi, leader of the centrist Italia Viva party and a former premier, over the government’s housing strategy. This clash underscores the ongoing political tensions within Italy’s legislative landscape as the government pursues its ambitious agenda.